Testimonials

"...not only has the HAPV-theory and concept of two-person drills been widely accepted, the issue that styles can be best explained through understanding this phenomena has also given rise to a new movement from which many new researchers have come.

One such researcher to surface at the forefront of this movement is John Burke of the United Kingdom. A fine example of eclecticism John has studied the work of today's leading experts and gone on to present his own findings. I have enjoyed many opportunities of working with this young sensei in the more than 5 years that he's been a member of our group. Not only am I impressed with his unfaltering passion for the history of the art but equally impressive is his physical skill and penchant for organizing a systematized method of learning Shotokan Kata application practices, as exampled in this publication. If you were impressed with the format of his first book, "Fortress Storming," then I am certain that you'll find this complimentary text, "Peaceful Mind," a welcome addition to that information.   

I'd like to congratulate John on the publication of this wonderful work and thank him for another important contribution to our tradition. Such a contribution, not just to Shotokan, but to the entire karate community in the UK and beyond, is the benchmark that sets him apart from others. John Burke is a credit to our industry and I am proud to be associated with people like him and I hope you'll enjoy this book as much as I have.

Kind regards
__________________
Patrick McCarthy
Hanshi 8th Dan
International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society
http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com "


"I can sum up the latest work from John Burke quite simply; peaceful mind from a brilliant mind…

The Heian Kata are quite often overlooked – something that the student will trawl through very early on in their journey. This work serves to refocus the importance of their study, not just for junior grades, but also for experienced black belts.

Peaceful Mind equips the reader with a thorough technical and historical grounding as well as many layers of information and principles to be peeled away. The great strength of this work is that it is universal in nature and not restricted to students of Shoto’s way.

John’s arrival on the international literary stage is now well established and I would urge readers to seek him out. Peaceful Mind is merely a snapshot of John’s depth of knowledge and ability...

If you think you “know” the Heian Kata, think again.



Anthony Blades
6th dan
27th August 2006"

"I have known John Burke for about 12 years now and have seen him grow in stature at an amazing rate throughout the Martial Arts Community.
His extensive research into the true meaning of Kata Bunkai is at the forefront of today’s knowledge base.
Following on from his previous work "Fortress Storming" his new book, "Peaceful Mind" is a superb account of how the Heians / Pinans should be utilised within your own Martial Arts training.
This book has everything that the Karate-ka requires to truly begin to understand how and why Kata should work. Explained in easy to understand terms this book is ideal for both Student and Instructor alike.
On my first reading of the first few chapters of this book I was compelled to call John and let him know just how superb his new book really is. I am sent various works both on tape and in book format by many Martial Artists all over the world for my opinions. Rarely do I ever write a foreword and even more rare is it that I am excited about the work I see or read. In the case of John’s new book I was both excited and offered to write a foreword.
I can pay this book no higher compliment than to order a copy myself and to make it available on my website.
Well done again, John. Another superb addition to your ever expanding range.

Russell Stutely
6th Dan Karate
Co-founder Open Circle Fighting Method
OCFM International Coach
6th Dan OCFM
BCA Senior Coach
4th Dan Kickboxing
3rd Dan Torite Jutsu
Boxing Coach
Combat Hall of Fame
Columnist for the UK's leading Martial Arts Magazines
Fighters Trainer
Europe's leading authority on the use of Pressure Points in the Martial Arts

July 2006"

"John Burke and I have much in common in our approach to karate training. It is therefore a pleasure and an honour to write this foreword for John’s exploration of the Heian (Pinan) Kata series, “Peaceful Mind”.

I first met John Burke sensei several years ago at his Paignton Dojo, since then we have become firm friends and I have had the pleasure of training and teaching alongside him many times. Burke sensei is an excellent martial artist who has a genuine love for and interest in his art. His teachings maintain the traditions of Shotokan Karate with an emphasis on effective application of the principles and techniques inherent in Kata as workable self defence.

I am sure that this work will open doors for both beginners and experienced martial artists alike, irrespective of style, and I know that “Peaceful Mind” will reflect favourably on John Burke, his students and his instructors.

Martyn Harris,
4th Dan Ryukyu Kempo,
Founder Red Dragon Karate Institute
July 2006"